RMGs are guidance documents. The purpose of an RMG is to support PGPA Act entities and companies in meeting the requirements of the PGPA framework. As guides, RMGs explain the legislation and policy requirements in plain English. RMGs support accountable authorities and officials to apply the intent of the framework. It is an official’s responsibility to ensure that Finance guidance is monitored regularly for updates, including changes in policy/requirements.
RMG-208 has been developed to support officials across Commonwealth entities in applying risk-based principles to manage potential conflicts and confidentiality risks, particularly in contexts involving engagement with the non-government sector. The guide introduces a standard COI definition, outlines risk-based principles and provides case studies illustrating how to manage COI across various contexts involving government engagement with the non-government sector. It also offers tailored principles for handling confidentiality risks in similar engagement. For any questions, please contact Comcover@comcover.com.au.
Audience
This guide supports officials managing conflicts of interest (COI) and confidentiality when working with the non-government sector using a principles-based, risk assessment approach.
Key points
This guide:
- provides a common definition of COI for Commonwealth entities
- offers a risk-based principles approach to managing COI
- includes case studies on non-government sector engagements
- provides examples of activities that have a high-risk of COI.
This guide provides general advice only, for specific advice tailored to your circumstances, entities are encouraged to reach out to the legal area and/or the area responsible for COI in your entity.
For integrity obligations of officials, refer to RMG-203 General duties of officials. For details on the duties of accountable authorities, see RMG-200 Duties of Accountable Authorities.
Resources
Related resources including relevant legislation, guidance, glossary terms and sections of the PGPA Act and Rule are located under Related resources in the right-hand menu.
- Further guidance on your COI obligations as an official can be found on the Australian Public Service Commission's website, with supporting guidance on the disclosure of material interests and integrity obligations of officials available in RMG-203 General duties of officials.
Key information to assist you in meeting your obligations
